Cal. Civ. Code § 66-28-504
Unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service.
Operative Text
If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises or willfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting essential services as provided in the rental agreement to the tenant, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover actual damages sustained by the tenant, and punitive damages when appropriate, plus a reasonable attorney's fee. If the rental agreement is terminated under this section, the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security deposits.
Tennessee Code Ann. § 66-28-504 addresses situations where a landlord unlawfully locks out a tenant, removes them from their home, or deliberately cuts off essential services that were promised in the rental agreement. When such conduct occurs, the law provides the tenant with a choice: reclaim possession of the rental unit or end the tenancy entirely. In either case, the tenant may seek actual damages, punitive damages where warranted, and reimbursement of reasonable attorney's fees, and if the tenancy ends, the landlord must return prepaid rent and security deposits.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-504, compliant property owners and managers maintain uninterrupted access to the rental unit and continue providing all essential services — such as heat, water, and electricity — that are specified in the rental agreement, regardless of any payment disputes or other conflicts with a tenant. Operators generally understand that self-help remedies like changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities are prohibited and can expose them to actual damages, punitive damages, and the tenant's attorney's fees. Returning all prepaid rent and security deposits promptly is also required if a tenancy is terminated under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-504 gives tenants legal recourse if a landlord unlawfully locks them out or deliberately cuts off essential services covered by the rental agreement. Tenants in this situation generally have the option to seek to reclaim possession of the unit or to terminate the rental agreement, and may pursue actual damages, punitive damages when appropriate, and reasonable attorney's fees through the courts. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help explain the general enforcement paths available, including what documentation — such as records of service interruptions or communications with the landlord — is commonly relevant in these situations.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 29, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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